Joint for panels

Abstract

A joint ( 1 ) having a first edge ( 2 ) and a second edge ( 3 ), the first edge ( 2 ) being provided with a distal edge ( 21 ) and a downwards protruding heel ( 22 ) The distal edge ( 21 ) is further provided with an upper joint edge ( 25 ) beneath which a groove ( 23 ) is arranged. The second edge ( 3 ) is provided with lower cheek ( 31 ) having a distal end ( 32 ) at which an upwards protruding lower cheek heel ( 33 ) is arranged. The second edge ( 3 ) is further provided with an upper joining edge ( 35 ) beneath which an undercut ( 34 ) is arranged. A moveable locking element ( 40 ) is arranged in the space created by the undercut ( 34 ). The moveable locking element ( 40 ) have a locking tongue ( 41 ), a locking tongue leg ( 42 ) and a maneuvering leg ( 43 ).

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A joint between floor panels having a first edge and a second edge wherein the first edge is provided with a distal edge and a downwards protruding heel, that the distal edge further is provided with an upper joint edge beneath which a groove is arranged and
 wherein the second edge is provided with a lower cheek having a distal end at which an upwards protruding lower cheek heel is arranged, that the second edge further is provided with an upper joining edge beneath which an undercut is arranged; and 
 wherein a moveable locking element is arranged in the space created by the undercut, said moveable locking element having a locking tongue, a locking tongue leg and a maneuvering leg, said maneuvering leg comprising proximate and distal edges, said proximate edge connected to said locking leg, and a hinge located between said proximate and distal edges; the hinge causing a cam lock effect on the locking tongue of the movable locking element through the locking tongue leg when the proximate and distal edges of the maneuvering leg are in a substantially coplanar position. 
 
     
     
       2. A joint according to  claim 1 , wherein the second edge is shaped to join with the first edge through vertical motion. 
     
     
       3. A joint according to  claim 1 , wherein the downwards protruding heel presses on the maneuvering leg urging the locking tongue to move forward and engage the groove. 
     
     
       4. A joint according to  claim 1 , wherein the lower cheek heel has a front face and that the downwards protruding heel has a rear face. 
     
     
       5. A joint according to  claim 4 , wherein the front face and the rear face are intended to interact, the interaction resulting in the upper joint edge and the upper joining edge being urged together in an assembled joint. 
     
     
       6. A joint according to  claim 1 , wherein the lower cheek heel has a front face, that the downwards protruding heel has a rear face and that the maneuvering leg has a face section. 
     
     
       7. A joint according to  claim 6 , wherein the front face and the rear face are intended to interact, having the face section in an intermediate position, the interaction resulting in the upper joint edge and the upper joining edge being urged together in an assembled joint. 
     
     
       8. A joint according to  claim 1 , wherein the locking element is made of a thermoplastic material. 
     
     
       9. A joint according to  claim 1 , wherein the locking element is made of a metal. 
     
     
       10. A joint according to  claim 1 , wherein the locking element is made of a thermosetting material. 
     
     
       11. A joint according to  claim 1 , wherein the locking element is made of a composite material. 
     
     
       12. A joint according to  claim 1 , wherein the locking element deforms during joining. 
     
     
       13. A joint according to  claim 1 , wherein the locking element deforms at the hinge during joining. 
     
     
       14. A joint according to  claim 13 , wherein the hinge is a living hinge. 
     
     
       15. The joint of  claim 1  wherein at least one of said first and second edges are formed for a material selected from the group consisting of medium density fiberboard (MDF), high density fiberboard (HDF), solid wood, and particle board.